108 research outputs found
High-fidelity single-shot readout for a spin qubit via an enhanced latching mechanism
The readout of semiconductor spin qubits based on spin blockade is fast but
suffers from a small charge signal. Previous work suggested large benefits from
additional charge mapping processes, however uncertainties remain about the
underlying mechanisms and achievable fidelity. In this work, we study the
single-shot fidelity and limiting mechanisms for two variations of an enhanced
latching readout. We achieve average single-shot readout fidelities > 99.3% and
> 99.86% for the conventional and enhanced readout respectively, the latter
being the highest to date for spin blockade. The signal amplitude is enhanced
to a full one-electron signal while preserving the readout speed. Furthermore,
layout constraints are relaxed because the charge sensor signal is no longer
dependent on being aligned with the conventional (2, 0) - (1, 1) charge dipole.
Silicon donor-quantum-dot qubits are used for this study, for which the dipole
insensitivity substantially relaxes donor placement requirements. One of the
readout variations also benefits from a parametric lifetime enhancement by
replacing the spin-relaxation process with a charge-metastable one. This
provides opportunities to further increase the fidelity. The relaxation
mechanisms in the different regimes are investigated. This work demonstrates a
readout that is fast, has one-electron signal and results in higher fidelity.
It further predicts that going beyond 99.9% fidelity in a few microseconds of
measurement time is within reach.Comment: Supplementary information is included with the pape
Prevalence and risk factors of claw lesions and lameness in pregnant sows in two types of group housing
Claw lesions and lameness in sows are an important welfare concern as well as a cause of considerable economic loss. These problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Given that group housing for gestating sows will become mandatory in the EU from 2013 onwards, the aim of the present study was: (1) to determine the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in sows housed in groups during gestation, and (2) to analyze whether the type of group housing system and sow-related factors were associated with lameness and claw lesions. Eight Belgian pig herds with group housing of gestating sows were selected. Four herds used pens with electronic sow feeders (dynamic groups), the other four herds kept their sows in free access stalls (static groups). All sows were visually examined for lameness at the end of gestation. Claw lesions were scored after parturition. Information about feed, housing conditions and culling (strategy) was collected, as well as information about parity and breed. Of all 421 assessed sows, on average 9.7% (min. 2.4%, max. 23.1%) were lame. Almost 99% of the sows had one or more claw lesion with overgrowth of heel horn (93%) and cracks in the wall (52%) as the most prevalent lesions. Neither for lameness nor claw lesions was significant differences found between the two types of group housing. Lameness decreased while the mean claw lesion score increased with ageing. These results suggest that lameness can be caused by reasons other than claw lesions, especially in older sows. Although no difference was found between the two types of group housing, a huge variation between herds was observed. Moreover, as the prevalence of lameness and claw lesions in group housing is quite high and group housing will become mandatory in 2013, further investigation on risk factors of locomotor disorders in sows is necessary
Prevalence of lameness and claw lesions during different stages in the reproductive cycle of sows and the impact on reproduction results
Lameness in sows is an emerging disease condition with major effects on animal welfare and economics. Yet the direct impact on reproduction results remains unclear. The present field study investigated the impact of lameness and claw lesions throughout the reproductive cycle on (re)production results of sows. In five farms, a total of 491 group-housed sows were followed up for a period of one reproductive cycle. Sows were assessed for lameness every time they were moved to another area in the farm. Claw lesions were scored at the beginning and at the end of the cycle. Reproduction results included the number of live-born piglets, stillborn piglets, mummified fetuses and crushed piglets, weaning-to-oestrus interval and the presence of sows not showing oestrus post weaning, returning to service and aborting. Sows that left the group were recorded and the reason was noted. A mean prevalence of lameness of 5.9% was found, although it depended on the time in the productive cycle. The highest percentage of lame sows (8.1%) was found when sows were moved from the post-weaning to the gestation stable. No significant associations were found between lameness and reproduction parameters with the exception of the effect on mummified foetuses. Wall cracks, white line lesions, heel lesions and skin lesions did have an effect on farrowing performance. Of all sows, 22% left the group throughout the study, and almost half of these sows were removed from the farm. Lameness was the second most important reason for culling. Sows culled because of lameness were significantly younger compared with sows culled for other reasons (parity: 2.6 +/- 1.3 v. 4.0 +/- 1.8). In conclusion, the present results indicate that lameness mainly affects farm productivity indirectly through its effect on sow longevity whereas claw lesions directly affect some reproductive parameters. The high percentage of lame sows in the insemination stable indicate that risk factor studies should not only focus on the gestation stable, but also on housing conditions in the insemination stable
Prevalence of lameness and claw lesions during different stages in thereproductive cycle of sows and the impact on reproduction results
Muon capture by 3He nuclei followed by proton and deuteron production
The paper describes an experiment aimed at studying muon capture by
nuclei in pure and mixtures at various densities. Energy distributions of
protons and deuterons produced via and are measured for the
energy intervals MeV and MeV, respectively. Muon capture
rates, and are obtained using two different analysis methods. The
least--squares methods gives , . The Bayes theorem
gives ,
. The experimental
differential capture rates, and , are compared with theoretical
calculations performed using the plane--wave impulse approximation (PWIA) with
the realistic NN interaction Bonn B potential. Extrapolation to the full energy
range yields total proton and deuteron capture rates in good agreement with
former results.Comment: 17 pages, 13 figures, accepted for publication in PR
Estimation of instantaneous flow from the indicator-dilution curve after bolus injection of indicator
Locomotion disorders and skin and claw lesions in gestating sows housed in dynamic versus static groups
Lameness and lesions to the skin and claws of sows in group housing are commonly occurring indicators of reduced welfare. Typically, these problems are more common in group housing than in individual housing systems. Group management type (dynamic versus static) and stage of gestation influence the behavior of the animals, which in turn influences the occurrence of these problems. The present study compared prevalence, incidence and mean scores of lameness and skin and claw lesions in static versus dynamic group housed sows at different stages of gestation during three consecutive reproductive cycles. A total of 10 Belgian sow herds were monitored; 5 in which dynamic groups and 5 in which static groups were utilized. All sows were visually assessed for lameness and skin lesions three times per cycle and the claws of the hind limbs were assessed once per cycle. Lameness and claw lesions were assessed using visual analogue scales. Static groups, in comparison with dynamic groups, demonstrated lower lameness scores (P<0.05) and decreased skin lesion prevalence (24.9 vs. 47.3%, P<0.05) at the end of gestation. There was no difference between treatment group regarding claw lesion prevalence with 75.5% of sows demonstrating claw lesions regardless of group management. Prevalences of lameness (22.4 vs. 8.9%, P<0.05) and skin lesions (46.6 vs. 4.4%, P<0.05) were highest during the group-housed phase compared to the individually housed phases. Although the prevalence of lameness and skin lesions did not differ three days after grouping versus at the end of the group-housing phase, their incidence peaked during the first three days after moving from the insemination stalls to the group. In conclusion, the first three days after grouping was the most risky period for lameness incidence, but there was no significant difference between static or dynamic group management
Optimisatoin tactics of disgnostic and treatment of women of reproductive age with dysplastic lesions of sguamosus cervical epitelium and hyperproliferative diseases of the uterus
Cervical cancer frequency ranks second in the structure of cancer among women. HPV is the only proven etiological factor of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.Given the increasing frequency of adenomyosis and leiomyoma of the uterus and pathology of the cervical epithelium in women with unfulfilled reproductive function and the extension age limits of the reproductive period, organ-preserving methods of treatmentof these pathological conditions is a main priority in gynecology.The aim of this research was to develop approaches to the treatment of cervical pathology in women with hyperproliferative diseases of the uterus
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